GKD Toasts a Successful AIA Conference on Architecture 2017

As the leading manufacturer of architectural stainless steel mesh and woven metal fabrics, GKD is no stranger to the A&D trade show scene. This year the AIA Conference on Architecture, however, was special for a number of reasons. Our team headed to Orlando, Florida with new products in hand, an exciting product collaboration making its public debut, and the anticipation of two events planned for the show.

Behind the Booth
At the GKD booth, we displayed our extensive material and finishes portfolio along with our signature Mediamesh® board to light up the show floor. There was a special focus on our brand’s full line of architectural ceiling panels- diverse, free-form ceiling solutions crafted from our signature metal mesh.

Across the aisle at CornellCookson, a new product collaboration for retail and hospitality environments was on display for the first time. We worked with the leading rolling door and grille manufacturer to develop a new security grille using GKD metal fabric. This elegant storefront grille couples the strength and aesthetics of GKD’s Lago or Tigris one-directional metal weaves with the performance, reliability and safety of CornellCookson’s rolling grille technology.

GKD supplied the metal fabric infill which is visible when the door is closed. CornellCookson supplied all installation and operational components. Together, the metal fabric and functional components combine to provide a visually appealing and transparent grille with maximum protection for high-end stores, restaurants and bars against smash and grab attacks.

Celebrating a Unique CollaborationTo celebrate our partnership, we worked with CornellCookson to host a “Metal Mixer” happy hour. Co-hosted with media partner Architizer, the largest global database for architecture and sourcing building products, it was jointly located in the GKD and CornellCookson booths on the show floor. The cocktail-style event brought architects, designers and A&D media to the two booths, letting them mingle with their peers and learn more about the new line of CornellCookson grilles featuring GKD metal fabric.

Bringing the A&D Community Together in the Most Magical Place on EarthNot only did we have an event on the show floor, GKD partnered with our agency, Stoner Bunting, to co-sponsor Architecture Around the World. Held on the eve of AIA, this exclusive event took place at Disney’s EPCOT theme park. It included 15 architects, 11 editors and publishers from eight A&D publications, and representatives from GKD and fellow sponsors CornellCookson, Armstrong Flooring and INSTALL.

The networking event provided a platform for intimate conversations about architecture, design, industry trends, opportunities and challenges. It was a unique opportunity to directly connect with influencers and opinion leaders, picking their brains and learning more about their specific design needs.

Looking Forward to NYCWhile the dust has barely settled from the AIA Conference on Architecture 2017, we are already looking forward to exhibiting in NYC next year. The city that never sleeps brings a different vibe, but we are planning on something even more special than Orlando. See you at the Javitz Center!